November 13th, 2025New vehicles, enhanced technology and tailored safety gear for CFA volunteers
The state government is backing CFA volunteers with new vehicles, enhanced technology and tailored safety gear – supporting them to have the tools and protection they need to stay safe while protecting communities.
Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward visited the CFA State Logistics Centre in Scoresby to inspect 50 Isuzu 4×4 crew cab chassis – which will become light tankers and rolled out to brigades across Victoria next year.
These vehicles are a vital part of CFA’s fleet, built with modern firefighting equipment and safety features to help brigades respond quickly and safely across both urban streets and rugged terrain.
The cab chassis will be delivered to a local manufacturer to be fitted out as light tankers – with the first seven to be allocated to CFA brigades in Echuca Village, Ellerslie, Greendale, Kingston, Bulart, Corinella and Jamieson.
This builds on the $40 million CFA rolling fleet replacement program announced in December 2024 – alongside the government’s $40 million program for FRV and $30 million program for VICSES – ensuring firefighters and volunteers across Victoria have the modern vehicles and equipment they need to keep communities safe.
Ahead of the fire season, the CFA is also rolling out a major upgrade to its radio network, thanks to the government’s $138 million radio replacement program.
More than 18,000 new radios featuring GPS tracking are being delivered to CFA brigades across Victoria, so volunteers can communicate better with emergency services and can stay safe during emergencies.
The upgraded radios also eliminate previous blackspots, making it easier to locate firefighters on the ground and ensure their safety in high-risk situations.
In a boost to safety and inclusivity, the government has also opened a tender for protective boots and gloves specifically designed for women, while feminine hygiene packs including tampons, sanitary pads and wipes have been rolled out in all CFA trucks and vehicles – ensuring CFA brigades are inclusive and encouraging of more women to join their local brigade.
